Topic: Korg MR 1000 Users >>>>

[F0CKER]

Just bought a MR1000, have some questions.

1.  Is there a way to decode mid/side with Audiogate when running as DSD?
2. Any recomendations for rechargeable internal AA batteries? 
3. Has anyone done comparisons going line in using XLR vs. TRS?
4. Is there a hold feature for the 1000?   I've not seen anything as part of a firmware update.
5. Any other details I should know as a new user?

Thanks in advance!

[busterr]

1. I don't believe so...
2. sorry have only used an external, I use a batterygeek  BG10-14-88...can record with phantom for 18+hrs.
3. not to my knowledge, the 1st or 2nd big mr1k thread may have some talk between the two though.
4. I haven't found one yet...though I can't say I've looked either...the buttons have a good amount of travel and I haven't yet been concerned of accidental stoppage. I will say I believe I am still running the original FW, so I do not know if a hold feature was added.
5. for loud concert recording, unless you are using an external pre, every mic I have used with mine has either needed the on mic pad or attenuator cables due to easily brickwalling the internal pre's...for reference my beyer 930's need -20db of attenuation to not brickwall it, they are one of the more sensitive mics out there though.
IME if the gain knob is not above 10o'clock you are likely bricking the pres.

Also having a HD in it, care should be taken to avoid excessive vibrations or jarring movements, I personally have never experienced a problem, but I recall a few others early on getting a 'slow hd' type error, just something to be aware of if running close to or on-stage.

Other than the "hot" inputs causing me some problems before I made my -20db att/cables I have been extremely happy with mine, it's super simple to use, and for me, works great as an all-in-one...

[F0CKER]

Thanks for the feedback busterr!

I'm going to be using an outboard pre, so I'm not concerned with the preamps.  Thanks for all the other info.

I've decided I'm going to use rechargeable AA's, so I'll need to do some homework on those.  Anyone with info on AA rechargebales, I'd appreciate some feedback.  I've never gone that route with any gear before. 

I'm at a loss the unit doesn't have a hold button though.  That seems odd to me. 

[deadheaded]

hey focker
i use these batteries with my mr-1000 and get about 6 hours record time, with the light on.   http://www.batteryspace.com/nimhrechargeablecell24pcsaa2600mahhighcapacitynimhbatteriesw6batteryholders.aspx

also no hold button, you have to really want to push the stop button, a casual touch of the button won't do anything.

welcome to the 1 bit world, you'll never go back!!!

[F0CKER]

hey focker
i use these batteries with my mr-1000 and get about 6 hours record time, with the light on.   http://www.batteryspace.com/nimhrechargeablecell24pcsaa2600mahhighcapacitynimhbatteriesw6batteryholders.aspx

also no hold button, you have to really want to push the stop button, a casual touch of the button won't do anything.

welcome to the 1 bit world, you'll never go back!!!

awesome, thanks for the feedback Ed!  I'm really looking forward to giving this a trial run.

Anyone have any feedback on a good charger for those AA's?

[deadheaded]

i tend to shop by price and this is the charger i just got with the batteries:
http://www.batteryspace.com/ch-v6280smartbaycharger8channelsworldwidepowerforaaaaanimhbatteries.aspx

[F0CKER]

What 1 bit setting format should I be recording with?

[datbrad]

What 1 bit setting format should I be recording with?

Most of the Korg users I know run the lower sampling rate, which is also the original SACD standard. I can't really imagine a huge gain in quality is obtained for concert taping to justify the increased storage space requirement for the super high sampling rate, but I could be wrong.

[F0CKER]

I'll do testing between the two sample rates and see what comes of it.  I'm more interested in if I should be recording in WSD, DSDIFF, DSF etc -- the different 1 bit formats. i know one is native to authoring SACD, but what are the pros / cons with each format? 

First test is tonight - Gordon Gano and The Ryans.

[datbrad]

I'll do testing between the two sample rates and see what comes of it.  I'm more interested in if I should be recording in WSD, DSDIFF, DSF etc -- the different 1 bit formats. i know one is native to authoring SACD, but what are the pros / cons with each format? 

First test is tonight - Gordon Gano and The Ryans.

Just talked to Nakguy as he waited to board a plane back to Dallas. He got the first MR1000 sold in the US, and ran the Tascam DSD burner for 2 years before that, so I really trust his judgement for the 1 bit stuff. He told me that he has found that the 2.8 sampling rate is more than enough, and compared the 5.6 rate to 192K PCM, simply a waste of space.

As far as the file format, he said he landed on the DIFF file because it's the most compatable across platforms. For example, he said the new Mytek DA converter will play DIFF files, and that seems to be the standard the industry will be supporting in the future more than WSD.

Hope this helps, good luck, and give a report tomorrow on how it went.

[F0CKER]

As far as the file format, he said he landed on the DIFF file because it's the most compatable across platforms. For example, he said the new Mytek DA converter will play DIFF files, and that seems to be the standard the industry will be supporting in the future more than WSD.

Hope this helps, good luck, and give a report tomorrow on how it went.

This is precisely the info I was looking for.



Tickets are bought for Sat DBT in Cville.  See you then.

[F0CKER]

So this is the DSD playback answer then?

What software would be used to play the DSD files, can Audiogate do this?

--------------------------

MYTEK DIGITAL ANNOUNCES NEW HI-END USB/FIREWIRE DAC

Mytek Digital of New York City, manufacturer of high end mastering audio converters announced at AES Convention in New York, in October 2009, a brand new Stereo 192 DAC, top performance 192k PCM and DSD Digital to Analog Converter. The new DAC features USB and Firewire, as well as standard AES, SPDIF and Toslink inputs, capable of handling stereo PCM playback of up to 24 bit 192k as well as playback of DSD files with absolute state of the art accuracy and transparency.

Numerous features include: high end headphone amplifier, precision volume control with memory (separate for phones and main output), selectable upsampling to 192k and optional remote control.

The DAC will be available in Q1 2010, in both industrial and hi-fi 1/3 rack highly portable enclosure, at Mytek dealers worldwide. It's priced at $1595 for industrial version and $1695 for black or silver Hi-Fi version with RCA outputs.


MYTEK DIGITAL USA , please email mihow2008@mytekdigital with any QQ. Regards, Michal, Mytek New York
Attached Thumbnails
   

[audBall]

Here's a little bit of discussion about the Mytek:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=128018.0

It sure looks nice.  Not sure what application you would use to playback the DSD files.   

I wonder if the PCM D/A has changed at all in the unit.  Why no balanced output on the "Hi-Fi version"?

[F0CKER]

Here's a little bit of discussion about the Mytek:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=128018.0

It sure looks nice.  Not sure what application you would use to playback the DSD files.   

I wonder if the PCM D/A has changed at all in the unit.  Why no balanced output on the "Hi-Fi version"?

So we're getting pretty close to being able to playback DSD files using a PC.  Just need an application to play the files and we're on our way. 

I'll have to start saving my $ for that Mytek DAC now.

[datbrad]

As far as the file format, he said he landed on the DIFF file because it's the most compatable across platforms. For example, he said the new Mytek DA converter will play DIFF files, and that seems to be the standard the industry will be supporting in the future more than WSD.

Hope this helps, good luck, and give a report tomorrow on how it went.

This is precisely the info I was looking for.



Tickets are bought for Sat DBT in Cville.  See you then.

Glad to help.

Oh, and you may see me  before that DBT show, at 9:30 Club on the 30th for some TLG. I will keep you posted.

[F0CKER]

Alright, made the debut run with the 1000 last night.  Have to say I'm impressed with it.  I like the metering, something I really didn't like on the R44.  I do wish they had a hold feature, or at least if the Stop button were accidentallly pushed, there was a confirmation button push needed to stop the recording.  I've not had a deckwithout a hold feature and it had me a little nervous. 

I gave a listen to the show last night and was very impressed with the sound.  I ran DSDIFF at 5.6 and thought it sounded great!  Lots of air / depth in the recording, very "clean" for lack of a better word.  Overall very happy with the purchase.  The show I recorded wasn't a rock n roll show, so I need to get out and push it a bit with some high pressure rock, but overall it was a good first run with the new toy.

[mdogbucket]

Just something I've run into with my MR-1000...If I don't reformat the hard drive each time I record a show, even if there is plenty of room left on the hard drive from the last recording, it will usually have a disk error.  Not a big deal, I just always start with a fresh reformat.

For the record I am always recording DFF at 5.6 mhz.  Not sure if it would happen at lower resolutions though.

I also notice that if you use the XLR inputs with reasonably sensitive mics and you get much below 10 o'clock on the level dials, you are likely to be clipping the input of the ADC.

[Shadow_7]

I've had my unit since 2008.  Once I read that DSD has a higher dynamic range than 24 bit I started using the highest setting.  Storage is cheap these days.  1TB for $100-ish.  I generally convert to 24@96 for EQ / editing, but I'm a linux junkie and I haven't gotten audiogate to run in that OS.

I did upgrade the firmware.  Scrubbing / whatever while fast forwarding is nice.  It do go windows on me when I was playing back an hour concert I recorded.  On the second time through, about halfway through it just sort of locked up.  Which has me concerned.  It was plugged into the wall socket and with batteries in the unit, so it most likely wasn't anything power related.  Otherwise no issues(yet).

I've reformatted the harddrive a couple of times, but I have never really had any disk errors to think of.  But I'm kind of non-typical in that I mount the drive under linux, copy the files to an NTFS partition (fuse / ntfs3g), then do the proper umount and power down steps on the recorder.  Then boot windows and let audiogate rip on the data.  Then boot linux again and edit.

Batteries, I just use radio shack specials NiMH 2100mAh.  They last about 2 and 1/2 hours with phantom power on.  The worst I've gotten is 1 hour 57 minutes with batteries I charged one week earlier and left in the recorder for a week.  The best on those batteries was 2 hours 59 minutes with a slight overcharge, the charger stops, you unplug / replug the charger one more time for a few more minutes of charge time.  Typically 2 hours 45 minutes-ish till self power down going that route on those batteries.  So I trust them for 2 hours, baring that one time I came up a little short.  I have some 2400mAh kodak NiMH batteries, but I haven't really given them a run for the money.  They don't seem to hold a charge if you store them for any length of time.  I just make sure that I charge my batteries within 24 hours of heading out the door.  Just to be safe.

My mics are Avenson STO-2's and they don't output as hot of a signal as other mics.  8:30am on the gain knob is the setting where someone could set off a nuke and it wouldn't clip with those mics.  I tend to favor large brass ensembles so I'm typically sitting at about 9am if I'm close.  10-11am if I'm far away.  At the moment my usage is little more than a glorified camcorder setup.  Although I do handle audio externally, until the final render.  I tried SM81's, but they were a little hot for the unit (8am).  And a bit too directional for a stereo image.

Ultimately I'd like to use MC 910's, or MKH 8020's.  I typically record outdoors so OMNI is a bit less problematic in those conditions.  I'd also like the try an external preamp since the korgs preamps do tend to be a little quirky with hot signals.  And a little light on the low end IMO.  But I wouldn't consider myself a typical user.

[MattH]

Just bought a MR1000, have some questions.

1.  Is there a way to decode mid/side with Audiogate when running as DSD?
2. Any recomendations for rechargeable internal AA batteries? 
3. Has anyone done comparisons going line in using XLR vs. TRS?
4. Is there a hold feature for the 1000?   I've not seen anything as part of a firmware update.
5. Any other details I should know as a new user?

Thanks in advance!

Regarding question number 3, I believe line in only works properly on the TRS connector. The XLR connector is for the mic preamp which adds too much gain to be used for line in. Someone please tell me I am wrong as I would much rather use XLR for line in.

Separately, I am expecting the new Mytek ADC 192 to play raw DFF files, but only one at a time without some sort of player. Audiogate is not currently set up to play DSD files without converting to pcm on the fly.

[landshark]

Hi Focker -

Yep, line in is ONLY through the TRS in the multi jack.   

[jmz93]

The Mytek DAC gives me hope that DSD won't be abandoned entirely by the industry.  Does anybody know if Korg are working on a 2nd-generation 1bit recorder?  I'd love an upgraded MR1 with lots of internal memory and no HD, and at least 4 hours on 2 2,700MA standard AA rechargeables. 

Does Jerry at Korg even read here these days?

I love the 1bit sound, but my R-09HR has been so rock solid for a couple years now, that it would take quite the solid contender to get me to switch.

[Colin Liston]

The Mytek DAC gives me hope that DSD won't be abandoned entirely by the industry.  Does anybody know if Korg are working on a 2nd-generation 1bit recorder?  I'd love an upgraded MR1 with lots of internal memory and no HD, and at least 4 hours on 2 2,700MA standard AA rechargeables. 

Does Jerry at Korg even read here these days?

I don't know if he reads here any more but I too would love an updated MR1, with flash memory.

[Shadow_7]

I've updated my rig.  Added 2x Sound Devices MM-1's to the kit.  For the Avenson STO-2's improved low end.  Better / lower noise floor.  I still desire MKH8020's for extended low end reach (and other specs).  But I'm semi happy with results so far.  Some questions though.

The limiters seem to kick in at a level that suggests 10am on the Korg gain via TRS inputs?  Any advantages / disadvantages from deviating from this setting?  The MM-1's are step gained, so I click until clipping.  Then click one back for rehearsals, two back for performances.  Seems to work well enough.  But the gain steps are so huge at that end of the spectrum.  I really like it over the onboard preamps.  Extra battery life is a bonus.

One other question.  Patch cables.  Apparently TRS is the way to go for external preamps.  GC only had Live Wire cables (made in china).  At least in the 1' category.  3' Mogami.  1' only on custom order.  Any concerns for Live Wire cables?  Given the length I wasn't too worried.  But the metal connectors look cheap and might be problematic (heat) in my region.

Beyond that any lunchbox or other mini-rack type options for us who have too many individual components to operate in more traditional modes?  Something to protect the cables / connectors, while allowing the swing of a lid to protect against rain / sprinklers?  With just the MR-1000 I figured I could poncho up and be good to go.  With MR-1000 plus friends I'm not so sure that's doable anymore.  Since it's hard to put everything on it's side as a single unit.  And other cooler in a crunch options.  Or maybe I'm just looking for a purse option that handles all of the units, not just the MR-1000.  Like what comes with the MR-1000.